I make myself think of something good – like how much better off Simon is now and how Jennifer probably made a full recovery after her car accident – to keep my mind off the IV chemotherapy dripping into my arm. I’m in one of my scheduled appointments. However, my ribs are still throbbing from my physical exam, when I told the nurse I think they might be cracked. My mom, haggard and anxious, sits across from my bed. Her blond hair’s pinned up at the back, but some of it’s come loose and tumbles across her flushed face. “It’s okay, Mom. I’m gonna be fine.” I cross my sneakers over the edge of the bed. I’m in my jeans but they made me remove my t-shirt and put on the stupid blue gown. “Why didn’t you tell anyone you hurt your ribs?” “I fell and didn’t think anything of it. I knew I was coming here today, so I told everyone now. What’s the big deal?” “The big deal is you’re supposed to take care of yourself. Treat an injury when it happens.” “I did.
